The president of the Electoral Commission, Tibisay Lucena said that "despite there being no accord" in the Dominican Republic, "peace is the only way and route for the Venezuelan people to decide their destiny freely".

She added that the registration of candidates for the presidential elections would begin on 24-26 February.

The BBC's Katy Watson says that with talks between the two sided now stalled because of disagreements over electoral conditions, the political battle continues, as does the uncertainty as to how the opposition will participate in the upcoming vote.